diastasis recti

[melh44]

Does anyone know if the NHS will fix this for free ? I had two large pregnancy’s one I put on 5 stone and the other 4 stones. It’s left me with ripped muscles and ALOT of loose stomach skin. It really gets me down I have tried every diet and exercise there is. Can anyone shed some light ? Thanks

Do you mean a surgical repair? If so I’m not sure. Your best bet is actually to go and see a decent Pilates teacher or even a women’s physio to see if you can improve things by strengthening your core.

Have you seen a physio?

You're not going to get a tummy tuck on the NHS unless there is a clinical need for it.

Diastisis Recti is most definitely NOT a tummy tuck!!

@littlebitbroken A surgical repair, plus removal of excess skin, most definitely is. That's what a tummy tuck is, tightening/ repairing the muscle and removing/ repositioning the skin.

I have this and had ongoing issues with my bowels because of it. Had loads of physio which I recommend for functioning. Losing weight helped it look more normal and less protruding but the skin thing there's nothing you can do about that other surgery. GP said no way they'll do it on the NHS unfortunately.

Thanks for your comment about a Tummy Tuck as just to clarify that is not what I’m after. It’s completely different. Does anyone know if NHS provide physios ? That’s something i am going to look into tomorrow now. Thanks

They do and it's a women's health physio you need. The procedure for DR is a tummy tuck, same thing.

My friend had 3 csections and separated stomach muscles and NHS fixed it!
She had to get to a certain weight first though.

A tummy tuck can be done at the same time as DR

Highly unlikely, if not impossible.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but big babies do leave you with loose skin.
My belly is very crinkly.

I think everyone has some degree of DR after birth but usually it repairs itself.

No it’s not loose skin , loose skin wouldn’t bother me if it’s was just that! I’m not a big girl so a large bulg above my belly button is extremely noticeable

Good news! DR can definitely be put right with careful management and physio. Mine was shocking after DC2 (similar story to yours) but I've worked on it as recommended by physio (provided on NHS at the drop of a hat when last DC was 6 months-ish) and once I had lost all the baby weight (not until DC2 was 4...) all that was left was a tiny little pot belly and some crinkly skin. It absolutely can be done, and probably more quickly than in my case, but seeing a physio and re-educating yourself about how to support your core is the first step. Good luck.
I should say, I have since put on some weight again and because my core is weakened I am 'feeling' the excess weight more around my middle. So constant core and weight management is key.